Indiana Grand is a casino and horse racing facility located in Shelbyville, Indiana. It is the only casino and racetrack in the state of Indiana. The facility is owned and operated by Caesars Entertainment Corporation and is open year-round. The casino offers a variety of gaming options, including slots, blackjack, craps, and roulette. The racetrack offers live horse racing and simulcast betting during the spring, summer and fall months.
History of Indiana Grand
Indiana Grand opened in July of 2002, replacing the old Indianapolis Trotting Park. The track was built in partnership with the Indiana Horse Racing Commission, the Indiana Standardbred Association, and Caesars. The facility features a one-mile dirt track and a seven-furlong turf track. The racetrack is home to the Indiana Derby, an annual Grade 3 race for three-year-olds.
Live Horse Racing at Indiana Grand
Yes, there is live horse racing at Indiana Grand. The track hosts live races from April to October, with the peak season occurring from May through September. Races are held on weekends, with post times starting at 6pm on Fridays and 12:45pm on Saturdays and Sundays. During the live racing season, there are usually eight to ten races per day. The betting windows open one hour before the first race and remain open throughout the day.
Types of Races at Indiana Grand
At Indiana Grand, you can bet on a variety of races, including:
- Thoroughbreds – These are the most common type of horse races, with races ranging from sprints to long-distance events. Thoroughbreds are the most popular type of horse racing in the United States.
- Standardbreds – Standardbreds are a type of horse bred specifically for racing. They are usually used for harness racing, which involves horses pulling a sulky cart.
- Quarter Horses – Quarter Horses are a type of horse bred specifically for sprint races. Quarter Horse races generally range from 220 to 440 yards in length.
- Appaloosas – Appaloosas are a type of horse bred specifically for racing. Appaloosa races are usually held on dirt tracks and range from six to eight furlongs in length.
Wagering Options at Indiana Grand
At Indiana Grand, there are a variety of wagering options available. The most common type of wager is a win bet, which is a bet on a single horse to win the race. Other popular wagers include place bets (a bet on a horse to finish in the top two), show bets (a bet on a horse to finish in the top three), exacta boxes (a bet on two horses to finish in the top two positions, in any order), trifecta boxes (a bet on three horses to finish in the top three positions, in any order), and superfecta boxes (a bet on four horses to finish in the top four positions, in any order).
Purses at Indiana Grand
At Indiana Grand, the purses vary depending on the type of race and the quality of the horses running in it. Generally, the purses range from $5,000 to $100,000. The purses for the stakes races, such as the Indiana Derby, tend to be on the higher end.
Track Conditions at Indiana Grand
The track conditions at Indiana Grand are usually good, as the track is well-maintained and the surface is regularly groomed. The track is one-mile long and is made up of a dirt surface and a seven-furlong turf course. The track is usually fast and fair, with no major irregularities.
Admission and Parking at Indiana Grand
Admission to Indiana Grand is free, but there is a fee for parking. There are several parking lots located near the track, and the fee is typically around $5. There is also a shuttle service that runs from the parking lots to the track.
Safety Protocols at Indiana Grand
Indiana Grand has implemented several safety protocols to ensure the health and safety of its patrons. All visitors are required to wear face masks and adhere to social distancing guidelines. There is also increased sanitation and cleaning protocols, and hand sanitizing stations throughout the facility.
Conclusion
In conclusion, yes, there is live horse racing at Indiana Grand. The track hosts live races from April to October, with the peak season occurring from May through September. There are a variety of wagering options available and the purses vary depending on the type of race and the quality of the horses running in it. Safety protocols have been implemented to ensure the health and safety of all visitors.